Glenburgie 12 Years Old 2010 (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

A Glenburgie of a 12 year old chosen by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, distilled in 2010, at 47.5%, one of 1418 bottles. Glenburgie is a clean, fruity Speyside malt, light and fresh in the glass. It has belonged to Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, since 2005. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working into the fruity malt. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and a touch waxy. The spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft beeswax. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt.

At a natural 47.5% it is full and waxy. Apple, pear and a soft honey, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. Green apple, honey and a soft oak see it out. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real lightness.